? on a new build

I have had rifles built both ways. Unless you are going to really keep your budget tight and only have your smith barrel and chamber your donor Rem. 700, the custom action is the way to go. By the time you have all the work done on that M700 receiver, and for all intensive purposes you should, you will NOT be that far off what a custom receiver build would cost.

I believe Shawn Carlock @ Defensive Edge is a bit of a fan of the 7WSM, and, well, his results pretty much speak for themselves.

I looked at going the custom action route with a stiler predator or tac but they are up to the $1000 bill now if you buy new. I have all my components for the build and all are new Rem 700 LA , Broughton #5 SS fluted,McSwirly Classic, HS detachable bottom metal, factory rem trigger tuned to 1.5lb and custom built break. If I keep my factory bolt with this line up I only have $880 in parts and my smith's bill will come in at around $500-600. That is truing the action, chambering, stock work including bedding. I can't drop the name of the smith on this board but his reputation for acurate rifles is superb. My value is in his services and with quality components and his abilities I could not see dropping the extra $500 on a custom action. So I guess you would say I am doing this on a budget! I just have to settle on the caliber.